SuzanneI'd think someone who can't spell "trilogies" (it's plural, not possessive), wouldn't be so bothered by someone not writing fast enough for their…moreI'd think someone who can't spell "trilogies" (it's plural, not possessive), wouldn't be so bothered by someone not writing fast enough for their taste. The only person who should feel "shame" is you. You want to criticize someone who wrote a book you love? You do better. I dare you.

I just finished the second, and will wait just as long as he damn well wants me to for the third. (less)

Community Reviews

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.The wait is going to kill me.

So, rather than wait patiently like any other sane individual, I am going to speculate. Of course I am. So... the speculation after two reads and one listen of The Name of the Wind, and one read of The Wise Man's Fear (Do not fret, everyone, for I will be reading that one again as well):

Please take note: This review contains spoilers for books 1 and 2

The Doors:

So, as the third book in the Kingkiller Chronicle is named 'The Doors of Stone,' it is quite obviously requiThe wait is going to kill me.

So, rather than wait patiently like any other sane individual, I am going to speculate. Of course I am. So... the speculation after two reads and one listen of The Name of the Wind, and one read of The Wise Man's Fear (Do not fret, everyone, for I will be reading that one again as well):

Please take note: This review contains spoilers for books 1 and 2

The Doors:

So, as the third book in the Kingkiller Chronicle is named 'The Doors of Stone,' it is quite obviously required of us to consider the 'Doors' of which they are speaking. And so, as perfectionism dictates, I will list every single door that I've noticed.

In Skarpi's story of Lanre, Lanre battles a beast that, while he is able to kill said beast, kills Lanre as well. However, one line is read pertaining to the beast's death that is not, in fact, read pertaining to Lanre's."After the battle was finished, and the enemy was set beyond the doors of stone..."Lyra, of course, calls Lanre back. This leads me to wonder if the doors of stone have something to do with death. Could they be the final barrier between life and death that, once crossed, can never be crossed again?

Kvothe mentions doors in his mind; four of them, to be exact: sleep, forgetting, madness, and death (Another indication that, maybe, death is the 'Doors of Stone' of which the title is referring.) This also brings me to a certain suspicion about the sleeping mind, but I will return to that later.

The main building of the University, Mains, is quite literally described as a 'featureless stone block.' This 'featureless stone block,' inevitably, has stone doors. Inscribed above these doors are the words 'Vorfelen Rhinata Morie.'

In the Archives, there are small rooms of stone for people to meet and talk (or have sex, if what Fela claims is true).

Of more importance are the doors of stone that Kvothe sees just before he is banned from the Archives"It was quite by accident that I found the four-plate door."The door is described as 'one seamless slab of grey stone.' Four copper plates are on the outside, flush with the stone of the door, which is flush with the frame, which, in turn, is flush with the wall. It is also described as 'not a door for opening, but a door for staying closed.' The word 'Valeritas,' is inscribed upon them.

There's a ventilation-shaft-like entrance to the Archives from the Underthing, but I'm not sure whether or not that matters. Oh well, there it is.

Elodin's cell in Haven (The rookery, the crockery, the Asylum) is made of stone.

And, last but not least, the Mauthen farm is made with stone reinforcements. Stone that is, in fact, dug up from barrows (burial mounds) in the ground, and used to build the house. This house was most likely destroyed by the Chandrian. However, that has to do with a certain vase that, again, I will return to later.

There are many more doors mentioned below in the comments; I don't have room to add them, or edit completely.

The KingSo, we all know that Kvothe is called 'Kvothe Kingkiller' for a reason. In fact, he says that he earned the name, 'bought and paid for it.'So. Nobility that is either a king, or will be a king, in the future:(I will, for now, only mention the obvious nobility- until I read WMF again and list all of them.)

At the top of our list is Ambrose, the first born heir to a Vintish barony. His father is one of the twelve most powerful men in Vintas. He is sixteenth in the Peerage.Lanre, also known as Lord Haliax, is a little more than nobility... and I can't see him gaining power enough to be recognized as a King by others, but he must be mentioned.Sovoy is of Modegan Nobility.Kvothe's mother and *Aunt?* (To be better explored later) Meluan Lackless are of Vintish nobility.Maer Alveron is said to be higher in the peerage than Ambrose. He holds a ridiculous amount of power as a noble in Vintas.Last, and the most painful to admit, is Simmon. Simmon is said to be of Aturan nobility; according to Sovoy, he is not high nobility, but he is nobility nonetheless.I feel as if Kote talks about Simmon's innocence so constantly to prove a point of surprising his audience in the end. If it is Simmon he ends up killing, I wouldn't be terribly surprised. Among other references to Simmon's 'goodness' is this passage:'"I love you Sim."He looked me over. "You're drunk.""No, it's the truth! You're a good person, better than I'll ever be."He gave me a look that said he couldn't tell if he was being made fun of or not.'

The AmyrThe Amyr are a Holy Order of the Aturan Empire created to avenge the fall of Myr Tariniel, according to Skarpi. They are a group of people under Selitos, if the stories are to be believed, that hunt the Chandrain. The most trusted and powerful of them are known as the Ciridae, and their mark is a burning tower. If Master Archivist Lorren is to be believed, they are equal part knight-errant and vigilante. They had judiciary powers and could judge in both religious and secular courts. All of them are exempt from the law, in varying degrees. They were also disbanded 300 years ago.The Ruach, named by Aleph as the Amyr in Skarpi's story:Tehlu.Kirel- Tall, burned but left living in the ashes of Myr Tariniel.Deah- a woman having lost two husbands to the fighting in Myr Tariniel. Face, mouth, and heart are cold as stone.Enlas- Would not carry a sword or eat the felsh of animals, would not speak hard words.Geisa- Fair, with a hundred suitors in Belen before the walls fell. The first woman to know the unasked for touch of man.Lecelte- Laughed easily and often, even when there was woe thick about him.Imet- Hardly more than a boy, who never sang and killed swiftly without tears.Ordal- The youngest of them all, who had never seen a thing die, a girl with golden hair.Anden- A face with burning eyes, his name means 'anger.'

It is said that Atreyon is one of the Amyr. He is, in fact, the one who is subject in the Maer's favorite story, a bloody story.Sir Savien is also mentioned as one of the Amyr.Kvothe also suspects that the Duke of Gibea is one of the Amyr, or that he worked for them at least. He's a medicinal worker of great skill under the authority of Maer Alveron.

"None but the most powerful can see them, and only then with great difficulty and at great peril."Kvothe, when he is near death in an alleyway in Tarbean, says that he saw a bird of fire and shadow. He thought it was the bird of death, come to greet him, and he is about to slip away when...A man dressed as Encanis gives him a silver talent and warms him. Wait... what?"The last time [Aleph] touched them there was pain, and wings tore from their backs that they might go where they wished. Wings of fire and shadow. Wings of iron and glass. Wings of stone and blood."Kvothe is indeed powerful, and is not death the greatest peril of them all? Could they have, in fact, saved him? But why? To spit in the faces of the Chandrain who killed his family...?

The three most important Rules of the Chemist:-Label Clearly-Measure Twice-Eat Elsewhere.

Mains is the oldest building at the University, and, apparently, nearly as complicated as Hogwarts Castle.

It came to my attention that Master Lorren wanted Kvothe to ignore the Chandrain and Amyr. It makes me wonder. I decided that it was worthy of note.

The Three Cs of Sympathy:Correspondence: Similarity enhances Sympathy.Consanguinity: Once together, always together. (I would make a Snape reference here, but I will restrain myself.)Conservation: Energy cannot be created nor destroyed.(Sympathy is based off of the laws of Thermodynamics, the Quantum Entanglement theory, and voodoo dolls.)

Alder Whinn, we hear, went crazy at the University. He now has accommodations at Haven, where it seems Elodin has a special fondness for him. He demands that Whinn should be allowed to come and go as he pleases, and that nothing should be added to his drink or food without his permission. This, I find curious.

And, the first Name we hear Elodin speak."Cyaerbasalien," and the stone broke. Or, in this case I suppose, the stone wall moved. Either way, he recited the story of Taborlin while he did it, replacing Taborlin's name with his own. I will return to this later.

Auri:

"I can tell you stories no one has ever heard before. Stories no one will ever hear again. Stories about Felurian, how I learned to fight from the Adem. The truth about Princess Ariel."Could she be the Princess that Kvothe claims he 'rescued from the barrow kings'? Could she be Princess Ariel?After all, she does 'pour beer as if she were among kings.' (Auri-el)

It is mentioned while Simmon, Wilem, and Kvothe are talking of Ambrose's revenge methods that a girl named Tabitha 'made noise about how Ambrose had promised to marry her,' and she disappeared. We know of a young woman, around Ambrose's age, that lives alone on a rooftop. Kvothe assumes that she must have gone insane from a too weak mind at the University. However, Ambrose seems to have friends in very high places.Could Auri be Tabitha? It's a weak idea, sure, but it's still there.

Auri gives Kvothe a key and a ring. Could the key be the key to the 'Doors of Stone?' I merely suppose and guess here, but Auri seems to be a very important part of the story, if you ask me.The ring is wooden, which is interesting. At the Court in Vintas in the Wise Man's Fear, wooden rings are exchanged as... well, tokens of hatred. We know that Ambrose's family is from Vintas. How do you suppose Auri came about a ring like that, if the ring is in fact what I assume it to be? And if my earlier theory about Auri being Tabitha proves true, could the ring have possibly come from Ambrose...? She claims that the ring keeps secrets. ...Interesting.

It should also be noted that Auri gives Kvothe 'Key, Coin, and Candle.' Ring any bells? Taborlin Stories often mention Key, Coin, and Candle.

Auri's name is in Kvothe's mother's Trouper name: LAURIen

"Little Moon Fae."

The CthaehThis deserves its own section, don't you think?

He spoke to the Cthaeh... He killed a king... Could the Cthaeh have driven him to do all of the things that he's done? Could the entire story merely have been created through the will of the Cthaeh?Could that genderless tree dweller have been the one to build Kvothe, to write his story, and eventually to tear him down?

DennaSo, we all know who she is. Well, maybe not her name exactly, but we all know that whatever he real name is, it stars with a D. Diane. Dyanae. Denna.It occurs to me that the Lay of Sir Savien Triliard may very well describe Kvothe and Denna's relationship.Love lost, than found, than lost again.He lost her when he left the caravan. He found her at the Eolian as he is singing this song, but where do you suppose he loses her for the last time? He does, obviously, for she is not present at the Inn.Of course, the song also describes something of Lanre's story. He dies and loses Lyra, Lyra resurrects him and they find each other, then Lyra dies and the love is lost again. Odd, considering that Savien is one of the Amyr... There is a lot of mystery surrounding Denna's patron. I read theories everywhere."I think he's one of the Amyr!""I think he's one of the Chandrain!""I think it's a plot twist and he's actually a dragon!""I think he's possessed by a skin-dancer!"

Actually, I take that back. I came up with the last two myself.Wait, the last one might make sense... Then again, I literally had the idea as I typed it down, not to mention it's full of holes. The only skin-dancer we know could hardly speak coherently. Anyway, I won't attempt to dive into that one until I reread the second book and this review goes through yet another set of changes.

Sovoy says, when Kvothe meets Denna again for the first time, that if he promised her anything to repay her that she would order him off to find her a 'leaf from the Singing Tree' on the other side of the world.This... ah...Okay, I admit it's ridiculous, but when I heard Singing Tree, I immediately thought of the Cthaeh.

Kvothe also mentions Felurian around the same time the 'Singing Tree' is mentioned."I might keep referring to you as Felurian, but that would lead to confusion."

Felurian and the Cthaeh are connected, if you remember.

Denna has not so far called him "Dulator." And, if I'm remembering correctly, neither did Felurian in WMF. Correct me with a direct quote and page number if I'm wrong, please.

'My first mentor called me E'lir because I was clever and I knew it. My first real lover called me Dulator because she liked the sound of it. I have been called Shadicar, Lightfinger, and Six-String. I have been called Kvothe the Bloodless, Kvothe the Arcane, and Kvothe Kingkiller.'

Could there be another woman we have yet to meet?

Kote and the Waystone InnWhat of Kote?

Bast explains that you don't merely begin to believe that you are the mask you wear, but you also, eventually, become the mask you wear. He wants his 'Reshi' to open up to Chronicler in order to remember when he was a hero. He's already broken down once, I can only imagine what'll happen to him next.

It is mentioned that 'Kote' means 'disaster.'Expect disaster every seven years.

KvotheThis is a small section, but it has my most recent (and exciting) theory in it.Starting with the less important notes:Kvothe's eyes:They turn frosty green when he's terrified.Muddy when he's in a horrible state of stress.Dark when he's angry, protective, or in anyway adrenaline-pumped (Or, as Kvothe jokes, 'It could be just old fashioned lust,' which, I suppose, makes sense if I'm right about the adrenaline.)Normally, they are a bright green with a gold ring around the pupil.He claims he gets them from his mother... but wasn't his mother dark-eyed?And both of his parents have dark hair, whilst his is a fiery red.Why?Well, I say he's a changeling.Did I just blow your minds?Didn't think so, but I blew my own.A changeling, in case you are unaware, is a fae infant that is switched with a human infant, in order for the Fae infant to grow off of the human's nourishment. Sort of like a cuckoo bird.It explains how he picks things up so quickly, it explains why Bastas is his student. It explains why he looks so different from his parents.The changeling is mentioned a fair bit in Faerie lore.

The ChandrainBefore we begin, I must point out that Haliax reminds me of Slenderman."See a man without a face,Moves live ghosts from place to place,What's their plan? What's their plan?Chandrain. Chandrain."

Of course, this works just as well:See a man without a face,White as a ghost from place to place,What's his plan? What's his plan?Slenderman. Slenderman.

If I die mysteriously, you'll know why. Anyway:This is primarily about the pictures on the vase found by little Nina at the Mauthen Farm. The girl describes seeing a woman holding a broken sword; a man next to a dead tree; a man with a dog biting his leg; a man with white hair and black eyes (Cinder, most likely); a man without a face, but rather a hood with nothing inside, a mirror at his feet and moons in different cycles over his head (Haliax?); and a woman with some of her clothes off. These are six of the seven.

Their signs of which I'm aware:Blue fireRotting woodRusting metal

The Sleeping MindKvothe says that the locked memories of his family are behind the doors of his mind. When Ambrose breaks his lute, he is reminded of the breaking sound of his father's lute in Tarbean, which probably reminds him of his father, the song, the scene of his dead Troupe.I believe that Kvothe's sleeping mind contains these things, and that when Ambrose broke his lute, he released those memories, and along with them, the rest of his knowledge. Maybe remembering is the price he has to pay to awaken his sleeping mind

Other notable thingsThere are ten words to break a strong man's will... could these ten word have been spoken to Kvothe, breaking his power?

Wisdom precludes boldness.

"The scrael, the war, all my fault."-Kote

Bast demands of Chronicler not to ask Kote why he couldn't do sympathy.

The Number SevenSeven Chandrain.Expect disaster every seven years.Seven men didn't cross to Tehlu's side in Trapis' story."Is six a good number?"-Count Threpe. "Well, for a lucky number I'd have to go down to three, or up to seven."-Kvothe.It took Kvothe seven days, start to finish, to memorize all of the runes for Sygladry.Lackless keeps seven things beneath her black dress.

Meluan Lackless

Lady Lackless.Kvothe sings a short tune about her in the beginning of the first book, when he was but a child. His mother scolds him for insulting Lady Lackless. His mother claimed that she is a real person, who has real feelings.He meets her later, and she seems familiar to him, but he can't quite find out why.Lady Lackless had a sister that was stolen away from her by the Ruh.Kvothe's mother was mentioned to once have been nobility.Kvothe might still have family.An aunt that shuns him for being Edema Ruh. An aunt he barely even recognizes. An aunt that, if she recognizes him, refuses to mention it. But still, she is an aunt.As Kvothe is so fond of saying, a half of a loaf is better than none, right?

The Thrice Locked BoxA box to hold the name of the moon, kept by Jax in the old Faerie story.A box belonging to Meluan Lackless that does not have a seam.A chest in Kote's inn, seamless according to Bast, thrice locked.Kvothe looks upon the chest with longing.Elodin panics at the mention of someone changing their name, referring to their true name.Kote. Kvothe.Just remove that 'v' and 'h'Could that chest contain 'Kvothe?' Is that what Kote wants, but can't stand to think about?What does that box contain that is so important to him? His name, his shaed, what?

Kvothe and ElodinKote is to Kvothe, as Elodin is to Taborlin...?A possible direct parallel.Kote is undercover at an inn. Elodin at a school *where he is Master Namer.*He's been to the Faen Realm, as he so obviously reveals when he identifies Kvothe's Shaed. He also, apparently, knows a smattering of Ademic.Could he have blown past the years of Taborlin in Fae, and returned as Elodin? And, if not... do we know if Taborlin had children? That is, if he isn't merely a story...But don't all stories have some truth to them?Kvothe tries to open up to the young Blacksmith boy at the Inn.Elodin tries to open up to Kvothe at the Asylum... in a way. Of course, he did order him to jump off a roof.And he tells the story of Taborlin, yet he uses his own name in Taborlin's place, shattering stone and breaking out of the prison.He seems young, yet seems to possess knowledge of one much older.Maybe I'm thinking about this backwards. Time goes by faster for a man in Fae than in real life, right? So... if that were so, wouldn't he be older than he actually is...? Of course it has flaws... but it makes equal bits of sense and nonsense and, ultimately, it's extremely frustrating.

While it's nice to see folks out there giving this book five stars, and in some cases even reviewing it, I'll admit that I'm kinda puzzled.

After thinking it over for a while, I've realized there's only one explanation for this:

Time travelers love my books.

This is strangely reassuring, as it lets me know that, eventually, I do finish my revisions, and the book turns out good enough so that I still have a following out there in the big ball of wibbly-wobbly.... timey-wimey.... stuff that I likeWhile it's nice to see folks out there giving this book five stars, and in some cases even reviewing it, I'll admit that I'm kinda puzzled.

After thinking it over for a while, I've realized there's only one explanation for this:

Time travelers love my books.

This is strangely reassuring, as it lets me know that, eventually, I do finish my revisions, and the book turns out good enough so that I still have a following out there in the big ball of wibbly-wobbly.... timey-wimey.... stuff that I like to think of as the future.

I would also like to say, future readers, that I appreciate your taking time to read and review my books. It's really flattering knowing that even with time-travel technology at your disposal, you'd rather read my stuff and mention it here on goodreads, rather than, say, hunt dinosaurs, get drunk with da Vinci, or pants Hitler.

Secondly, I'd like to say if you're The Doctor, and you're reading this, I would make an excellent traveling companion. I know you normally tend to hang out with pretty young women and robot dogs. And honestly? I respect that.

Still, I bring certain things to the table. Humor, witty banter, and a beard that will allow me to blend in seamlessly with any pre-industrial Germanic culture. I'm also an excellent kisser and play a mean game of Settlers of Catan.

Just throwing it out there.

Lastly, if any of you happen to have a digital copy of the book you'd like to e-mail me, I'd really appreciate it. I'd love to see the five-star version of the book, because right now, the one I'm toiling away at is about a three an a half-in my opinion. It would save me a lot of work if I could just skip to the end and publish it.

Andrea MorenoI just want to read this book so bad, I feel like i've waited centuries, pretty pretty please I would just like to know which year is this book goingI just want to read this book so bad, I feel like i've waited centuries, pretty pretty please I would just like to know which year is this book going to be out!! :(...more
Jul 30, 2015 04:50PM

Stavros Vaporidisyou don't get the point, do you people? stop rating books which haven't been released yet.
22 hours, 31 min ago

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.One of the most obvious (but not at the time) potential reason for the loss of Kvothe's powers and transformation into Kote is actually in the first chapter of The Name of the Wind.

"He called himself Kote. He had chosen the name carefully when he came to this place. He had taken a new name for most of the usual reasons and for some of the unusual reasons as well, not the least of which was the fact that Names were important him."

It's easy to disregard this as significant so early in the series,One of the most obvious (but not at the time) potential reason for the loss of Kvothe's powers and transformation into Kote is actually in the first chapter of The Name of the Wind.

"He called himself Kote. He had chosen the name carefully when he came to this place. He had taken a new name for most of the usual reasons and for some of the unusual reasons as well, not the least of which was the fact that Names were important him."

It's easy to disregard this as significant so early in the series, since it occurs before the reader knows the importance of Naming in the story.

Given that sentence, I would say that Kvothe sealed his own powers, since it is inferred that he changed his name to Kote purposely and of his own volition knowing the consequences of changing a true name. It would also make sense why Bast refers to "healing" Kvothe as "drawing him out of himself." Since Patrick Rothfuss wrote the entire trilogy before the first book was published (the time spent between releases have been on edits), such early foreshadowing is a definite possibility.

Proof that Kvothe is Lady Meluan's nephew right here. These are the lyrics to the song that led to Arliden (Father of Kvothe) sleeping under the wagon.

Dark Laurian, Arliden's wife, Has a face like a blade of a knife Has a voice like a prickledown burr But can tally a sum like a moneylender. My sweet Tally cannot cook. But she keeps a tidy ledger-book For all her faults I do confess It's worth my life To make my wife Not tally a lot less

Last line, ever play that game where you have to say some raProof that Kvothe is Lady Meluan's nephew right here. These are the lyrics to the song that led to Arliden (Father of Kvothe) sleeping under the wagon.

Dark Laurian, Arliden's wife, Has a face like a blade of a knife Has a voice like a prickledown burr But can tally a sum like a moneylender. My sweet Tally cannot cook. But she keeps a tidy ledger-book For all her faults I do confess It's worth my life To make my wife Not tally a lot less

Last line, ever play that game where you have to say some random gibberish fast to figure out what it means? Not tally a lot less Natalia Lockless What are the odds? And it was such a random addition to the book. Mr. Rothfuss, who I absolutely adore for the superlatively wonderful quotes of Kvothe (and assorted other fantastic moments), couldn't quite refrain from dropping hints. I am enthralled by this series, If you are as well, I highly recommend the reread over at Tor.com. P.S. I can't claim credit for this myself, I found it on a message board. Although in all fairness, it only confirmed my suspicions....more

YOU BETTER COME OUT WITH THAT THIRD BOOK AND YOU BETTER COME OUT WITH IT QUICK!!! I SWEAR IF IT TAKES YOU SEVEN YEARS TO FINISH THIS I’LL DIE! BUT, HOW ARE YOU GOING TO FINISH EVERYTHING IN A THIRD BOOK IF THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF QUESTIONS STILL UNANSWERED!!??

Ademar LacerdaI'm expecting this book to be straight to the point so as to answer all the questions. Maybe this time we wont know all the time how much money kvotheI'm expecting this book to be straight to the point so as to answer all the questions. Maybe this time we wont know all the time how much money kvothe has/needs.

I'd be cross with Patrick if Kvothe doesnt lose/change his true name in the process.

It would make sense to bypass the lockless doors by calling the name of the door. In case of a door of stone... the name of Stone....more
Feb 05, 2015 05:00AM

It is absolutely unbelievable how many connections there are in this book. In no particular order, here are some interesting things I picked up on:

Kote is the proprietor of a quaint little inn named The Waystone Inn. If you remember, a very young Kvothe explains to Abenthy the tradition of the Greystones, or Waystones, as being an unexpected and pleasant break from the road. Hence, The Waystone Inn. Ironically, the inn Kote runs is of much better quality and offers a much larger selection of gooIt is absolutely unbelievable how many connections there are in this book. In no particular order, here are some interesting things I picked up on:

Kote is the proprietor of a quaint little inn named The Waystone Inn. If you remember, a very young Kvothe explains to Abenthy the tradition of the Greystones, or Waystones, as being an unexpected and pleasant break from the road. Hence, The Waystone Inn. Ironically, the inn Kote runs is of much better quality and offers a much larger selection of goods than one might expect given it's small clientele base and location, making it quite the pleasant and unexpected break from the road.

When Kvothe is speaking with Kilvin, Kilvin mentions a saying in Siaru that means, "Expect disaster every seven years." The Siaru word that translates into 'disaster' is 'kote.' Remember that Kvothe picked his name very carefully when he set up the Waystone.

Kvothe swore on his Name, his power, and his good left hand that he would not attempt to discern the identity of Denna's patron. As the situation stands now, he's named himself Kote, meaning disaster, Denna is not a part of his life, and he cannot seem to Name, perform Sympathy, fight, or make music. The implication is that he broke his word to Denna and, being a Namer, there was actual magic binding him to his word when he swore that oath. My other idea is that he didn't just call himself Kote, he changed his True Name to Kote. It doesn't say that he assumed a name, or that his name is a part of a disguise - he changed his name. If you remember, Elodin became panicked when he misunderstood Kvothe and thought Fela had changed her name.

When Kvothe is just a child in Tarbean, he nearly freezes to death in a snowbank. As he drifts closer to death, he imagines some sort of shadowy bird with flaming wings descending towards him - fortunately, a kind stranger, who is ironically dressed as Encanis, discovers him and saves his life. If you recall Skarpi's story about the creation of the Amyr, he mentions that they vanished form mortal sight and cannot be seen except at great peril. Perhaps Kvothe was seeing an Amyr or perhaps it was simply a hallucination.

When Kvothe learns to put his feelings to music, one of his songs is titled, "Riding in the Wagon With Ben", this is also the name of one of the chapters in The Name of the Wind.

Jeez, I had dozens more but, naturally, when I try and organize my thoughts and type them out most of them escape me.

As of the beginning of the month I have quit my job as a critic and thus am freed from any and all obligations to read and review this book.

THANK YOU, GOD!!!

I will never touch another book by Patrick Rothfuss again, including this one. I'm done. No more. The man made such a bad impression with me on his second book that I'm just finished caring about him, this series, and any other books he may publish in the future.*light shines down from the heavens*

*Beethoven's 9th begins playing somewhere*

As of the beginning of the month I have quit my job as a critic and thus am freed from any and all obligations to read and review this book.

THANK YOU, GOD!!!

I will never touch another book by Patrick Rothfuss again, including this one. I'm done. No more. The man made such a bad impression with me on his second book that I'm just finished caring about him, this series, and any other books he may publish in the future. He's had enough of my money, and won't be getting any more of it from me, but truthfully, I wouldn't even read this one if someone mailed me a free copy of it and paid me to read it. I hated the second one THAT much.

Ahhhhhhh... freedom is so very sweet.

The worst thing that I, a former fan, can do to him (well other than find him and beat the $30 I spent on a hardcover of The Wise Man's Fear out of him anyway) is to stop buying and reading his books. To stop caring. He is able to make his living as a writer because people, people like you and me, buy his books. And now he has one less. Sure, he will probably never know the difference. But I will. And that's enough for me....more

Matt AndrewsYou strike me as the Ambrose Jakis of book reviewing. I'm sure your father will hear about this.
Apr 14, 2015 09:08AM

KaylaOf the 155 books on your read shelf, two of the four that you gave no star ratings to (the other two being yours) are written by the same person. VendOf the 155 books on your read shelf, two of the four that you gave no star ratings to (the other two being yours) are written by the same person. Vendetta? Yes please!...more
Jul 31, 2015 01:07AM

FrogKnighti agree with liz baxter. I mean just look at the demon cycle thats suppose to be 5 books or stormlight archive tahts suppose to be 10 books. Some booki agree with liz baxter. I mean just look at the demon cycle thats suppose to be 5 books or stormlight archive tahts suppose to be 10 books. Some books i feel need to be extended, like the night angel trilogy, the last book felt as if it were crammed....more
Mar 14, 2014 05:52PM

I have a few suggestions myself as to the mysteries of the book. If you are anti-spoilers, DO NOT READ PAST THIS POINT.

For many, the immediate assumption is that Kvothe and Denna will get together. I initially assumed this as well, however i found something that was a little misleading if this was the case.

Kvothe quite clearly states when "The Woman" is enterring into the book:

'Kvothe smiled. "Not women, Bast. A woman. The woman." Kvothe lookedat Chronicler. "You have heard bits and pieces, I doI have a few suggestions myself as to the mysteries of the book. If you are anti-spoilers, DO NOT READ PAST THIS POINT.

For many, the immediate assumption is that Kvothe and Denna will get together. I initially assumed this as well, however i found something that was a little misleading if this was the case.

Kvothe quite clearly states when "The Woman" is enterring into the book:

'Kvothe smiled. "Not women, Bast. A woman. The woman." Kvothe lookedat Chronicler. "You have heard bits and pieces, I don't doubt. I will tell youthe truth of her. Though I fear I may not be equal to the challenge."Chronicler picked up his pen, but before he could dip it, Kvothe held upa hand. "Let me say one thing before I start. I've told stories in the past,painted pictures with words, told hard lies and harder truths. Once, I sangcolors to a blind man. Seven hours I played, but at the end he said he sawthem, green and red and gold. That, I think, was easier than this. Trying tomake you understand her with nothing more than words. You have neverseen her, never heard her voice. You cannot know."Kvothe motioned for Chronicler to pick up his pen. "But still, I will try.She is in the wings now, waiting for her cue. Let us set the stage for her arrival.. . ."'

It then continues on to chapter 49. Within this chapter, the only female Kvothe meets is Devi. And while at first this seems to make the most sense, it is later proved flase at the start of chapter 53.

"THE EOLIAN IS WHERE our long-sought player is waiting in the wings.I have not forgotten that she is what I am moving toward. If I seem tobe caught in a slow circling of the subject, it is only appropriate, as she andI have always moved toward each other in slow circles."

And yes, Denna is included in the next chapter, at the Eolian. But she has already been mentioned in the book, in chapter 32 and 33. The only other female who could be considered wild is Auri. Unlikely, yes, but she is included in the same chapter, and it is the first time that she ever comes up to greet Kvothe. It is something to think about. So either this is some brilliant ploy to subtly point us in the wrong direction, towards Denna, or an error within the text. Both are plausible, and i suppose we will simply have to wait and see.

Then, as was pointed out by fellow reader Abhik, Kvothe's first love called him Dulator, because she liked the sound of it. Kvothe's already given Auri a name, might she decide to give him one also?

Of course, there is also the possibility that I have over-analysed the book.

Another point of curiosity is the door's of stone, and how often they are mentioned. Felurian says the stealer of the moon is locked beyond the doors of stone. Skarpi speaks of Lanre killing the great black-scaled beast, and after the battle was finished, the enemy was set beyond the doors of stone. Valaritis, as is said on the doors of stone, and as is said by Elodin when Kvothe asks him about it. A name, perhaps? And then Hespe's story, about Jax, the stealer of the moon. When Lanre/Haliax binds Selitos in Skarpi's story:

"Selitos knew that in all the world there were only three people who could match his skill in names: Aleph, Iax and Lyra."

Lyra is dead. Aleph is aparently the creator of everything. Or the first namer, as said by Kvothe.

"In the beginning, as far as i know, the world was spun out of the nameless void by Aleph, who gave everything a name. Or, depending on the verstion of the tale, found the name all things already possessed."

Iax seem very close to Jax, as far as names go. Is Iax the enemy that they spoke of, shut behind the door's of stone? In Hespe's story, Jax unfolded his house, but strange things happened to it, with strange weather in some rooms, differing times of the day throughout. This environment sounds very similar to the Fae.

But what about the Mael, where the skin dancer is reputed to come from? Do other realms similar to the Fae exist? Among all this, I have an overpowering suspicion that Iax/Jax was among the real first namers. Aleph understood, but Iax/Jax was among those who sought to change. He didnt take a Tinker's pack, he simply did what he wanted, and took what he wanted, because he could, because he had the power. Felurian talks of how originally, people simply walked among the world, understanding things and their names. Then came those who sought to change, and how at first they simply changed in the slightest sense. Then, "they grew bolder, braver, wild. the old namers said "stop", but the shapers refused. they quarreled and fought and fobade the shapers." Then the shapers created the Faen world, where they could do as they wished. And they created a sky, with stars, but no moon. Then one came, who was more powerful than the rest, and he reached out and took the moon. Iax. Then came the creation war.

But lo and behold, within the name of the Chandrian's leader, is Iax himself. HalIAX. And upon the pottery thing, he has the signs of the ever moving moon above his head. So who is locked beyond the door's of stone? Something happened to Lanre to change his name, something to do with Lyra. And Iax was in love with the moon, or he simply wanted it. Theres something there, but not enough to draw any significant conclusions. But i suspect that Lanre went to Iax, where he received his naming ability, and somehow the two became combined. This has turned to pointless speculation, so I will move on.

Of the Amyr, it is said that they came from another faction known as the Ruach. Aleph is in the middle of a discussion with Selitos at this point, and says "No. All personal things must be set aside, and you must punish or reward only what you yourself witness from this day on."

I suspect at this point that this is the splitting of the Amyr, or the Ruach. Kvothe finds mention of many many many Amyr, but perhaps they are not Amyr, simply Ruach, judges and knights, and that would also explain why Felurian says there were never any human Amyr.

Of the nine who stood before Aleph, I see character similarities too other characters within the books. Slight, and maybe lunging a bit forward, but...

'Fair' Geisa, "who had a hundred suitors in Belen before the walls fell. The first woman to know the unasked for touch of a man." reminds me, obviously, of Denna.

Ordal, "youngest of them all, who had never seen a thing die, stood bravely before Aleph, her golden hair bright with ribbon" reminds me of Auri.

Lecelte, "who laughed easily and often, even when there was woe thick around him." Reminds me of Simmon.

Tall Kirel who had been burned but left living in the ash of Myr Tariniel, Deah who had had two husbands and whose face and mouth and heart were as hard and cold as stone, Enlas, who wouldnt carry a sword or eat animals, and who never spoke hard words, and Imet, the youngest who never sang and killed swiftly without tears, are all people i cant pin, but then theres the last.

Andan, whose face was a mask with burning eyes, whose name meant anger, reminds me of Kvothe. Or Tempi, whose name meant anger.

Of course, the Amyr bit is entirely speculative, and I have doubts, but a few things rang for me.

Then theres the whole deal with the word "Rhinta", or "Rhintae". Shehyn refers to the Chandrian as "Rhinta", and the skin dancer says "Rhintae" when it is talking directly to Kvothe. I can also swear that i have come across the name elsewhere in the series, but i cant for the life of me remember where, unfortunately.

and the unseen lock on his thrice locked chest? He has the keys to the other two, iron and copper, but the unseen remains a mystery. And what is within the box?

So many questions, and i would bet a lot of money that while a lot will be answered in the last book, a lot will still remain unanswered. After all, Kvothe's story is not yet over.

Seeing as the book has yet to release and there are already hundreds of 5 star ratings i find it only fair that a book that has enraged me to this point deserves a 1 star.

of course i will buy the book and i more than likely will enjoy the book but that won't help me to like the book as i did with the first.

First let me say; before the release of the name of the wind, Patrick Rothfuss announced the completion of all three books, the three books in this trilogy were completed, the three books whoSeeing as the book has yet to release and there are already hundreds of 5 star ratings i find it only fair that a book that has enraged me to this point deserves a 1 star.

of course i will buy the book and i more than likely will enjoy the book but that won't help me to like the book as i did with the first.

First let me say; before the release of the name of the wind, Patrick Rothfuss announced the completion of all three books, the three books in this trilogy were completed, the three books who would write for this series had been finished, he planned to release these books in one-year intervals, as he announced, completely understandable, it's almost tradition for not just authors but for many other forms of entertainment to release a new form or medium for enjoyment to release new models at yearly intervals.

When i heard about the completion of the novels and the general praise the book was getting i decided to pick it up, of course i completely fell in love with the books cliche yet beautifully written story, the characters were deep and full of life, i was really in love with the book.

I couldn't wait for the wise man's fear, i couldn't wait to see what questions would be answered, how they'd be answered, what new riddles would pop up within the pages. Unfortunately, this books release date was pushed back several times due to reasons i do not understand.

Instead of a 2008 release date like the fans were promised the book was pushed back four years. Four years. I will admit that the book was extremely well written, but the depth of the story is no where near as long or as deep as a series such as the game of thrones, which George Martin has taken just as long to write a single novel in his series.

This in my opinion is unacceptable, the series was claimed to be finished and yet the book is pushed back three years for what? editing? three years would not be allowed at all for anything other than a book, if a movie, game, tv series, even a new phone model was pushed back three years there would be an outrage, but since we fans are the pawns of authors we have to abide by their will.

I cannot make excuses for authors, Patrick Rothfuss might have really been editing his book for four years, however the much more likely occurrence would have to do with the side stepping of his writing, the general distractions that Patrick has enjoyed immersing himself in so joyfully. (more on this later)

So, it has been three years since the release of the wise man's fear and even now, may/2015 the release date has been pushed back several more times for the doors of stone, looking at reviews from 2012 i can see people expecting the book to release in 2013, this was then pushed to 2014, to may 2014. It would be about the time i'm writing this review that the book; the doors of stone would have been published, a book that was apparently written seven years ago. We can't assume why it's taken so long, we can only defend Patrick, that he has been editing his book this entire time or take the offense, that he has been caught up in distractions and knows about the money he can make by jumping a hype bandwagon that has been leaving fans in it's trail for years.

So, what has happened in those three years since the wise man's fear?- Fundraisers (of course for a good/great cause, raising money for the people in need can never be looked down upon)- side books (to be released in october 2014, months after the announced release date of the doors of stone)-Children's books- Kickstarters (Nobody cares about the card game that you're trying to force down our throats Patrick, you wouldn't need people to donate money for a kickstarter if you released your novels earlier anyway, since when do authors even engage in such gimmick money grabbing events anyway? Also those stones or coins? really? really??)- Constant interview after interview (if you follow Patrick on facebook you'll know what i'm talking about, every few days is another interview that barely seems to intervene with his writing schedule, almost as if he doesn't have one at all)

There are more i could list but anyone would get the gist of what i'm saying, Patrick has obviously gotten so involved in the money making events his books could potentially create that he's lost sight of an actual goal, this to me in disgraceful. To release a book seven years ago, telling his fans that all three books were finished only to have released the second book four years later is pathetic. Patrick has release 2 books of his Kingkiller chronicles trilogy in 7 years. Let that sink in.

I can't see an end to this series. What initially was introduced as a quick trilogy for us to enjoy and finish with a quick smile has been turned into seven years of money grabbing and lies, dates constantly being pushed back for no reason, books that have no relevance to the series are being released. Sure Kvothe's story might only last a trilogy, but what about Kote's? we all know that Patrick will never fit both 'characters' stories into one book, will we see the final book split into two? My guess is a new series all together, a sequel if you like for Kote to regain his 'powers'. Not only that but books that are to occur within the four corners have been announced, not only has Patrick ridden the fame train for 7 years for these two books, he's preparing the rest of his life as an author to be based around this world.

If you are really blinded by how much Patrick spits into the face of his fans, you deserve the wait, you deserve to wait another who knows how many years before you have your trilogy finale. Another book coming out in october this year only confirms another year or more before the doors of stone is to be released, and if that book is coming out in october what does that say about the doors of stone? a book that was meant to be finished 7 years ago, a book that Patrick has supposedly been editing for 3 years is now being pushed back because Patrick was writing a different book altogether.

Pathetic Patrick Rothfuss, just pathetic, for an author praised for his writing ability you sure do like to make fans who have been with you for almost 7 years wait for a third book. And then there are authors like Brandon Sanderson, who take their writing as a job seriously, who know how to make their fans happy. There are Authors like J.K. Rowling; who work tirelessly and are completely great full for opportunity their writing has brought them, people like them are able to write their books, please their fans, make their money, donate to the needy and are praised.

You however have been praised for releasing 2 books over the course of 7 years and milking his fans down to absolutely nothing.

LeeAnnaWe shall see! But if I was looking for an Internet fight I would stay on Facebook haha
Jul 03, 2015 09:59AM

DejvoFunny reading this in 2015 with book release nowhere near. My favorite one is: Auri's story is going to be highly important for the concluding book inFunny reading this in 2015 with book release nowhere near. My favorite one is: Auri's story is going to be highly important for the concluding book in the trilogy - I wonder what the person who wrote this thinks now after she read that OCD nonsense pretending to be a story.Anyway, this book is an example of how flawed Goodreads rating is, book that hasn't been released has already over 3000 ratings (5 stars of course) from die hard fanboys, who are willing to wait for this until 2030...more
Jul 06, 2015 04:58AM

I'm coming close to dropping Rothfuss and his Kingkiller series from my list of series I'll automatically pick up soon after publication.

Why?

Well, the recent Jezebel post "Bestselling Fantasy Author Writes Icky Sexist Blog Posts" gets at some of it. The post is a bit overblown and take some of Rothfuss' stuff out of context. However, no one who is paying any attention at all will miss the fact that Rothfuss writes female characters like a bit of a douchebag. That is to say, he markets himself asI'm coming close to dropping Rothfuss and his Kingkiller series from my list of series I'll automatically pick up soon after publication.

Why?

Well, the recent Jezebel post "Bestselling Fantasy Author Writes Icky Sexist Blog Posts" gets at some of it. The post is a bit overblown and take some of Rothfuss' stuff out of context. However, no one who is paying any attention at all will miss the fact that Rothfuss writes female characters like a bit of a douchebag. That is to say, he markets himself as a sensitive feminist man, but in reality he's an ass like the rest of us. (This is I road I've also traveled myself.) Anyway, Rothfuss reminds me of John Mayer: a dude who writes sensitive sounding songs, but treats real women like trash, probably because he just doesn't know any better. His prose tends toward mansplaining, his character is always right (his only flaw is an inexplicable excess of humility), and the female lead would be ever so much happier if she'd just realize that thinking for herself makes her suffer. The man knows best. Really, he does.

Apart from all this, there is a huge seed of talent inside Rothfuss' work. I enjoy reading his stuff. It is just that afterwards, when I think about it, I'm disappointed. Honestly, I think if he was more upfront w/ the mansplaining and misogyny, it would be easier to take. There are many talented misogynists who I read (Phillip Roth, Henry Miller, Jack Kerouac, Robert Heinlein). It's the sensitive mask covering up the same old shit underneath that bugs me....more

Nicholas I believe it's worth looking at his work and asking questions. I don't have much to add to what's been written before, I like his work, but it has somI believe it's worth looking at his work and asking questions. I don't have much to add to what's been written before, I like his work, but it has some issues, some things that bother me.

If you really think it's worth your while to try and fit me into a category that explains me, you should read some other reviews and some of my other content....more
May 13, 2015 06:17PM

Nicholas Jay wrote: "Nicholas, I have been thinking about your post the last week. I have to respectfully disagree with the viewpoint that Rothfuss is misogyniJay wrote: "Nicholas, I have been thinking about your post the last week. I have to respectfully disagree with the viewpoint that Rothfuss is misogynistic. We need look no further than the dichotomy of the Ade..."

These are interesting thoughts and you've done a lot of work building up your point. However, I don't think that a points system works here. If he puts one character up on a pedestal, that doesn't make reliance on the male gaze or overuse of certain stereotypes not happen.

I'm glad you like the writing, as I've said, I think he's done some very strong work.

But I'm still unsatisfied w/ how he deals w/ gender. Especially Felurian. The one thing that I absolutely 100% disagree with is the claim that "Felurian is the epitome of sexuality." She's a paper-thin teen-aged boy's masturbatory fantasy. Now, that may be what Rothfuss intended and far be it from me to deny teen-aged boys (and former teen-aged boys like myself) the occasional masturbatory fantasy, but it's an old and tired cliche. There's **SO MUCH** better erotic content out there. The writing around Felurian is also some of his weakest. Rather than describing what arousal feels like, he just threw out a bunch of superlatives and hyperbole on the page. He's done so much better in other chapters.

Thinking about this more, describing the writing or the writer as misogynist may have missed the mark. NOT because I think the writing doesn't have flaw and NOT because I think he's writing gender better than my original review. Rather, the point of critique and these conversations is not to apply a "good" or "bad" label on people or books. It's to engage in conversation and try to do better. Rothfuss CLEARLY is capable of better, that's why it's worth the time to think and talk about his writing. He's not a Sad Puppy. He doesn't insist that the straight-white-cis-dude perspective must be considered "normal." Rather, he writes really, really good straight-white-cis-dude stories. (and that's good) I don't think it's too much to ask that he stretch himself to do better when writing outside that perspective....more
May 14, 2015 10:41AM

I started reading this series because I was looking for something to read while waiting for the Winds of Winter.

I mean what's a better way to get over your obsession with an unfinished series than getting obsessed with yet another one right?!

So my new policy: NEVER start reading a fantasy series unless all the books are out. Fantasy authors are demons who are put on this earth to crush your soul and suck the life out of you while you wait endless years for the next installment.

So you know whatI started reading this series because I was looking for something to read while waiting for the Winds of Winter.

I mean what's a better way to get over your obsession with an unfinished series than getting obsessed with yet another one right?!

So my new policy: NEVER start reading a fantasy series unless all the books are out. Fantasy authors are demons who are put on this earth to crush your soul and suck the life out of you while you wait endless years for the next installment.

Just so everyone knows, page 496 of The Name of The Wind, Master kilven says "Do you know the saing 'Chan Vaen edan Kote'?" Then explains that it means "Expect Disaster every seven years." Some languages tend to share certain simularities. I might be completely wrong but i look at chan to mean seven. Chandrian means seven, so i'm just assuming chan is also seven. I can explain my other musings, but honeslty it's just a guess. I believe Kote means Disaster.

MalekelmThe fact that Chan means seven is divulged in book one when Ben talks to Kvothe's parents about the Lanre song. He breaks down the meaning of the nameThe fact that Chan means seven is divulged in book one when Ben talks to Kvothe's parents about the Lanre song. He breaks down the meaning of the name Chandrian--explaining that Chan stands for seven....more
Mar 28, 2012 07:26PM

for some reason people have taken it upon themselves to use their review space for an as-yet-unpublished novel to talk shit about the author.

a lot of people.

i recommend the immediate flagging of all such reviews.

also the enthusiastic gibbeting of their creators.

and the immediate canonization of the holy sacred Text That Is Still Too WIP To Have Given Any Sane Person Cause To Have Any Opinion Whatsoever On Anything, Ever.

under no circumstances should you peruse such reviews in the interval betweefor some reason people have taken it upon themselves to use their review space for an as-yet-unpublished novel to talk shit about the author.

a lot of people.

i recommend the immediate flagging of all such reviews.

also the enthusiastic gibbeting of their creators.

and the immediate canonization of the holy sacred Text That Is Still Too WIP To Have Given Any Sane Person Cause To Have Any Opinion Whatsoever On Anything, Ever.

under no circumstances should you peruse such reviews in the interval between now and the inevitable arrest and disposal of the offending reviewers; they are not entertaining in any way shape or form.

"Give a man a question and he will find his own answer" - Rothfuss leaves us puzzles/clues all over

He's a frigging fantasy wizard - GE-NI-OUS!!!

I can't wait for 'The Doors of Stone" - Can't stop going through the first two for little tidbits.

All my previous guessing had me believing this title only refers to the two Lockless doors at the Lackless estates and within the university archives. Upon further review, I believe the gray stones have to be included in that. Remember the folklore surroun

"Give a man a question and he will find his own answer" - Rothfuss leaves us puzzles/clues all over

He's a frigging fantasy wizard - GE-NI-OUS!!!

I can't wait for 'The Doors of Stone" - Can't stop going through the first two for little tidbits.

All my previous guessing had me believing this title only refers to the two Lockless doors at the Lackless estates and within the university archives. Upon further review, I believe the gray stones have to be included in that. Remember the folklore surrounding them 'they mark old roads [my guess - Fay/Tariniel roads] and safe places' according to Kvothe, but Simon believes them to be bad things.

Older cultures, who would understand them proper, would probably see them as a good thing [a way of escape from trouble, which is at least partly forgotten by most], while those who don't understand them completely would only see them as dangerous, because they probably have learned to associate them with appearances by Fay creatures. Remember, Falurian suggests there are many doors to move between the mortal and Fayan realms for those who know how [this is most likely how the Chandrian move around].

I'd be willing to bet that both the University and Lackless estate are built on/around these stones [ we already know that one of these stones exists at the bridge near the university. That door in the archives must somehow lock this passageway. Furthermore one of those two doors [Lackless or university] must be locking away Alaxel 'Lax' the most powerful of the shapers (the one who stole the moon)....more

Um... was just rereading Wise Mans fear and realized that when Kvothe is with Felurian, he asks her the name of the shaper who stole the moon and she says "I dont know that one, though he is shut beyond the doors of Stone." Maybe this has something to do with the 3rd book?

Edit: Found another mention, in NotW, when Skarpi is telling the story of Lanre he says "After the battle was finished and the enemy was set behind the DOORS OF STONE...". It interested me because he calls the war that was happUm... was just rereading Wise Mans fear and realized that when Kvothe is with Felurian, he asks her the name of the shaper who stole the moon and she says "I dont know that one, though he is shut beyond the doors of Stone." Maybe this has something to do with the 3rd book?

Edit: Found another mention, in NotW, when Skarpi is telling the story of Lanre he says "After the battle was finished and the enemy was set behind the DOORS OF STONE...". It interested me because he calls the war that was happening "The Creation War" and it makes me wonder if that is the same one was the one that Felurian mentions....more

Only a few hands have ever held the Lackless box. It is a treasure that has been shrowded in mystery for thousands of years. I may not know what is in it. But i'm reasonably certain of the fact that box itself is made out of wood from the Cthaeh tree. When inspecting the Lackless box Kvothe admits that he doesn't know what kind of wood it's made of. He knows that its old, and has a lot of iron in it and he knows that is smells familiaHere are a few things that i've figured out.

#1The Lackless Box

Only a few hands have ever held the Lackless box. It is a treasure that has been shrowded in mystery for thousands of years. I may not know what is in it. But i'm reasonably certain of the fact that box itself is made out of wood from the Cthaeh tree. When inspecting the Lackless box Kvothe admits that he doesn't know what kind of wood it's made of. He knows that its old, and has a lot of iron in it and he knows that is smells familiar:

"The wood itself was interesting . It was dark enough to be roah, but it had a deep red grain. What’s more, it seemed to be a spicewood. It smelled faintly of… something. A familiar smell I couldn’t quite put my finger on. I lowered my face to its surface and breathed in deeply through my nose, something almost like lemon. It was maddeningly familiar. (p.921)

A lemony spice scent that he couldn't quite place, maybe it was hard for him to remember because he was only around it once, just before an extremely traumatic experience. This is a quote from when he walks up to the Cthaeh

"The wind shifted, and as the leaves stirred I smelled a strange, sweet smell. It was like smoke and spice and leather and lemon. It was a compelling smell. Not in the same way that food smells appealing. It didn’t make my mouth water or my stomach growl. Despite this, if I’d seen something sitting on a table that smelled this way, even if it were a lump of stone or a piece of wood, I would have felt compelled to put it in my mouth." (p.680)

It all fits. We know that the Cthaeh and the Lackless box smell exactly the same. We know that the Cthaeh and the box have both been around for thousands of years. We also know that the wood from the Lackless box has a high iron content, couple that with the fact that the Cthaeh is supposedly trapped in the tree and things start to get interesting.

For the sake of arguement lets just assume that the speculation above is correct. What if the Iron in the tree is whats keeping the Cthaeh contained? Is the Cthaeh one of the Fae? What would happen if an arcanist got his hands on the Lackless box? He could probably create a decent link right. He might even be able to use it to free the Cthaeh from the tree. Didn't the fact that Cinder was playing bandit bother anyone?

The Maer

“Someone has been waylaying my tax collectors on the north road.” ...“The Lackless lands are in the north, you know.” ...(p.501)

The persuit of the lackless box was the only reason that I could think of that would explain why Cinder was on the North road. The same road that Melaun Lackless would have taken to get from her lands to Severin or vice versa. This explains why Cinder had so many people with him. He wasn't just playing bandit. He needed enough men to overcome a lackless caravan.

#2Melaun is kvothes auntA little obvious.

-Kvothes mom was a noble who ran away with one of the edema-Melauns sister was a noble who ran away with one of the edema-Kvothe felt like Melaun seemed familiar-Melauns eyes are green ringed with gold-"A son to bring the blood." (kvothe)

#3Bredon is Denna's suitor. I see a lot of people trying to speculate about this. I am almost certain that its Bredon.

-Deoch describes Dennas suitor as "white haired and wealthy"-Bredon is white haired and Wealthy.-Denna mentions that her suitor is a good dancer-Bredon mentions that he is learning to dance-Denna speculates that her suitor might be a member of court kvothe may even have met him-Bredon is a member of court he has met Kvothe.-Denna disappears on kvothe while in severin for a week with no notice-Bredon has gone to his estate at the exact same time and is no where to be found-Cthaeh mentions Denna's suitor beating her with a walking stick-Bredons walking stick is mentioned several times

Despite all of this what really drove it home for me was the forshadowing. The games of tak where Bredon and Kvothe size each other up. Bredon saying things like "why would I want to play anything but a beautiful game" and "Setting a trap when you know that your opponent is walking in with a trap of his own." Bredon is smart. Maybe the games were just a front to get to know about kvothe. Maybe thats the only reason that he picked Denna in the first place. Maybe Bredon is really Aculess Lackless melauns father and kvothes grandfather. Who knows?

#4Denna's suitor. Bredon or not, is involved with the Chandrian

So Denna just so happens to be at a wedding in the middle of no where? Why would her suitor want her there? Unless he knew exactly what was about to happen.

Why would Denna's suitor ask her to keep track of exactly how many people were at the wedding? Why would that matter to him? Unless he needed the number to ensure that everyone was killed. Ensure that they didn't miss anyone. Clean Sweep

#5The Skin Dancer is inside of the Chronicler and Bast knows it

This is the description that the Chronicler gave when asked about the arm that was just grabbed by the skin dancer.-“It hurt like twelve bastards when he touched me, like something was tearing up inside.” ... “Now it just feels strange. Numb. Like it’s asleep.” (p.638) RReally weird way to describe an injury-Skin Dancer was looking for something. What better way is there to find what its looking for than to sit and listen to kvothe tell his story -Bast insisted on giving the Chronicler a holly bell crown-Lastly I'd like to mention that the skin dancer wasn't trying to hurt people. It was trying go come into physical contact with them in some way-Chroniclers arm is mentioned several times in the following books while the other injuries are not.

*I also found it strange that the mayor had the room for 30 minutes alone with the Chronicler when he was trying to do his will

#6Lanre/Haliax is also Encanis.-Encanis is described as having a hamed cloak of shadow-Haliax has a cloak of shadow-Tehlu chases encanis around-Tehlu dedicated his life to chasing the chandrian-Encanis can't be killed by mortal men-Haliax can't be killed-"There is no such thing as demons

#7Trebon was built in the same place that Tehlu caught Encanis/Haliax and burned him-Six spoke wheel mentioned in both places-Both places on a hill-Mentioned that Encanis screams and destroys all the surrounding stones(Barrow stones)

If Encanis and Tehlu really did burn in a pit maybe what the mauthens didn't find a vase. Maybe what they found was really an Urn containing the ashes of Tehlu and Haliax. Would that be a good link?

#8Doors of Stone are Greystones- They are door ways into another world...

#9Lorren is one of the AmyrKind of dumb but I think that its possible-He knows who Kvothe's father is so he might know that kvothe is a lackless-Would easily be able to prune the archives-Made a point of sitting kvothe down after he tried to look up books about the amyr and the chandrian on that first day-Really stoic. Doesn't smile or frown. Kind of how I pictured an Amyr

*or maybe Caudicus was one of the amyr and they made Alveron sick for the greater good. What other reason did he have to poison the maer?

#10The MAIN THEORYLmao, alright here it is

I speculated that Denna's suitor is Bredon. I speculated that Bredon is working for the Chandrian. Denna mentioned that her suitor had her looking through geniologies but she didn't know why. I speculated that the Chandrian want the Lackless box and whatever it contains. A kid that kvothe meets tells him that in order to open lackless door they need "a son to bring the blood." I speculated that Kvothe is a Lackless. So one can come to the conclusion that the Chandrian want that door open, and that they are going to use both kvothe and Denna to do it. Reasoning? I mentioned earlier that Lanre wants to destroy everything, after speaking with the Cthaeh. What better way to destroy everything then to release the enemy from behind the doors of stone?

My theory in a nutshell.The Cthaeh is malicious and all knowing. It can see the future, and it can mold it. I think that both the Lanre and Kvothe and Jax are pawns that the Cthaeh is using to get the doors of stone reopened. I think that the Cthaeh wants to free itself from behind the doors of stone.It wants to free Jax who stole the moon, who knows why? But think about how freaked Vashet was when Kvothe was told his name was Maedre in Hearthstone. A name with the meaning the broken tree... If the tree refers to the Cthaeh and Kvothe some how allowed it to escaped I would be scared too.

All I know is that in the current story line the doors are open(grey stones)-the fae run rampantI know that Jax is probably free-There is absolutely no moon in the current timeline I know that kvothe hasn't killed the Chandrian-If he did bast wouldn't fear there name being said aloud after the adem storyI know that Denna is dead and that she probably betrayed kvothe cause that sounds like something that she would do

After looking at this I can see that It has almost no structure. That said I made a few valid points. If anyone somehow manages to cobble together a coherent theory or has an idea that I didn't mention I would love to hear about it in the comments.

Rothfuss I would like to apologize in advance for firguring your next book out before you had a chance to release it. If you had put it out sooner this all could have been avoided.

Courtney LongshoreI don't think Bredon works with the Chandrian. I do think he is Denna's patron, but I think it more likely he is one of the Amyr than a bad guy. WhileI don't think Bredon works with the Chandrian. I do think he is Denna's patron, but I think it more likely he is one of the Amyr than a bad guy. While it is true he commissioned a song portraying Lanre as a good guy, that could as likely be an Amyr goal, trying to muddle the facts for people. The chandrian don't want details about themselves known, so I think it unlikely they would want Bredon to commission something like Denna's song. She also is doing genealogical research for him, which I could see an Amyr needing. Either to learn more about the chandrian to defeat them or to learn about some factor we don't know yet....more
May 15, 2015 04:43PM

SolemnCourtney wrote: "I don't think Bredon works with the Chandrian. I do think he is Denna's patron, but I think it more likely he is one of the Amyr thanCourtney wrote: "I don't think Bredon works with the Chandrian. I do think he is Denna's patron, but I think it more likely he is one of the Amyr than a bad guy. While it is true he commissioned a song portraying L..."

If the Amyr hate the Chandrian I can't see them commisioning a song that sings Lanre's praise. If they hate him for what he did to Myr Tariniel they're not going to have someone make a song claiming that he was the hero who was betrayed. I think that more than anything else the chandrian don't want their names known. They killed Kvothe's dad because he was figuring out their names. They killed the Mauthens because they had a vase that showed their signs. It seems to me that the Chandrian would have the most to gain by spreading misinformation through denna's song. It works in there benefit to be seen as the heroes. You said "the chandrian don't want details about themselves known." which makes sense but I seriously doubt that they would have a problem with incorrect details, which is what Denna is spreading.

My reasoning for why Bredon would have Denna doing genealogical work for the chandrian ties back to an earlier theory. I think that they are trying to track the Lackless line to its conclusion(kvothe). Thats why cinder was set up in the forest waylaying tax collectors. He was trying to get to the box but he would still need kvothe to open it.

Also, your forgetting the fact that Denna gave her patron the exact numbers of the mauthen wedding right before they were slaughtered in a struggle involving blue flame. If Bredon worked for the Amyr he would probably attempt to find a way to stop it. It makes more sense that the Chandrian wanted the numbers so that they could ensure that everyone was dead. Clean sweep....more
updated
May 15, 2015 08:07PM

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTMany people have been posting their predictions/guesses for yet-revealed information in their reviews, particularly regarding Lady Lackless, Denna, Mr Ash and the Amyr. No, this is not to tell them to stop.Rather, please stop saying you have it "all figured out." You do not have it all figured out. Everybody knows that, in all probability, Lady Lackless is Kvothe's aunt. Mr Ash might be an Amyr, or a Chandrian. Yes, we know this. You are not exclusively privy to thesePUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTMany people have been posting their predictions/guesses for yet-revealed information in their reviews, particularly regarding Lady Lackless, Denna, Mr Ash and the Amyr. No, this is not to tell them to stop.Rather, please stop saying you have it "all figured out." You do not have it all figured out. Everybody knows that, in all probability, Lady Lackless is Kvothe's aunt. Mr Ash might be an Amyr, or a Chandrian. Yes, we know this. You are not exclusively privy to these revelations.In lieu of continuing to spam the review column with repeated predictions, I would recommend heading to here or here, both of which are marvelous reviews and have made themselves into mini-chat boards. (Actually, don't go to the second anymore. The guy cleared all the comments, so now all it is is random people bashing him for not liking the books.)...more

KcattyOh, yeah. Definitely. I check already-published books out from the library, and if I like one enough, I'll get it (someday). New/end-of-series books IOh, yeah. Definitely. I check already-published books out from the library, and if I like one enough, I'll get it (someday). New/end-of-series books I'll buy when released. This book, for example, will definitely be a pre-order....more
Mar 21, 2013 03:52PM

At this point I no longer desire to read Mr. Rothfuss's final installment. I have lost all respect for the author and his tactics, which have now become obvious ploys, at least to me, to make a killing on this book financially when it finally makes the scene. It was my understanding that the entire series was written when the first book came out, which in itself was spouted in wonderment at that time. Since the release of the second installment, we have been strung along with one excuse after anAt this point I no longer desire to read Mr. Rothfuss's final installment. I have lost all respect for the author and his tactics, which have now become obvious ploys, at least to me, to make a killing on this book financially when it finally makes the scene. It was my understanding that the entire series was written when the first book came out, which in itself was spouted in wonderment at that time. Since the release of the second installment, we have been strung along with one excuse after another for the delay for the third book and mostly kept in the dark. When it became obvious that the series was a smash success, the third installment conveniently developed all manner of problems requiring rewrites and one stall after another has ensued until now we "might" be lucky to see it in 2014. How odd that it takes four years to produce something that was already finished from the beginning. Now the author is sitting on his thumbs jerking his devoted readers around and making fools of them in a ploy to make his sales explode when the final installment finally does make it's appearance on the literary dining table. My god how the money will roll in! For those of you who slavishly wait for the ringing of Rothfuss's Pavlovian bell, I feel sorry for you. For those of you who are waking up to my opinion that Mr. Rothfuss is an unethical prick, kudos to you. ...more

MikeJeremiah wrote: "Let's be honest here, you're still going to read it and love it."

+1
Mar 02, 2015 07:01PM

IdcboobsYeah guys, it totally makes sense that the original release date has been pushed back from as early as 2012, not like he had plans to release it thatYeah guys, it totally makes sense that the original release date has been pushed back from as early as 2012, not like he had plans to release it that early pss.

And let's not mention that he somehow had time to write TSROST while all his fans spout excuses like "he's editing", "he's taking a break", etc.

So let's get this straight, let's hypothetically say he hadn't finished the third novel, let's say he's in the middle of writing it still after 8 or so years. He thought it was a good idea to write a novella? a novella that potentially took 4 or so years to write?

right, he's definitely not stringing you guys along lmao, it's pathetic how ignorant some people can be.

Let's go back to reality, he said about 8 years ago that all the books were written and that all three books were to be released in yearly intervals; see:

"First-time novelist Patrick Rothfuss offers self-aware heroic fantasy in The Name of the Wind, the first volume in a trilogy (which is already completely written) about the life and legend of Kvothe, master magician, musician, thief, assassin and hero."

"Do you know what the publishing schedule will be?

The next two books will come out in one-year intervals. I'm able to do this because when I started writing, I had no idea how long a book was. I just kept blazing a trail until I came to the end of Kvothe's story. When I finally finished, I looked back and realized I had a trilogy's worth of material."

so we have, in pat's own words, (before the first book was released may i add) that the books were completed and were planned to be released.

what happened?

Pat started making money.

2007, the name of the wind comes out

2008, the promised release date of the wise mans fear comes and goes

fast forward another 3 years (plus 2008)

it's 2011, the wise man's fear comes out, four years late, two years after the third book was supposed to release.

I'm sure fans at this point looked up the doors of stone release date (i did), we were given may 2012

may 2012 comes, no release, pushed back to may 2014

may 2014 comes, no release, pushed back to may 2015

may 2015 comes, no release. release date REMOVED from the doors of stone goodreads page.

Now in between 2014 and 2015 comes a little novella, just something pat managed to write in his spare time (yeah sure), how does he have time to write this? who knows. all we know is that the hype is dying out and fans are getting frustrated, so what happens? the novella comes out and this litte $30, 150 page "book" is given amazing reviews, fans buy it world wide.

What happened to doors of stone? who knows. you can ask him yourself on his forum, just be prepared to have your comment deleted by his mods like hundreds of others.

Now all this is common knowledge, it's easily accessible to any fan. here's what gets me. How do you people still trust him? he's lied to you all since the beginning, since before the first novel came out he has been lying and you still talk shit like "oh he doesn't owe you anything". yes he does.

I know that not many of you were there before the first novel came out, i was. I took pat's promise and i bought the first book, expecting to have a trilogy within 2 more years. Would i have bought that book if i had known i would be waiting 8 years for books that were already apparently written? fuck no.

I'm not the only one, i know this for sure, but i made a payment to pat on the guarantee of his "yearly releases" so no, sorry if i can't "trust" him or that i'm not allowed to feel that he "doesn't owe me anything".

So, during the second book, Fear, if you will, I grew a bit disappointed with the editor. I know, beloved Rothfuss, that your words are spun of gold, but the best editors have balls of mithryl and they will chop away fearlessly at the bits that drag. Your first was beyond measure, your second a jewel worth polishing. Your third is named to please. All of that said, I will read every word that you write as long as I am able, with pleasure, again and again. Thank you.

I won't rate this because I do not fall under the time traveler category that Rothfuss refers to in his blog. I will simply say that I am dying for this book to come out. Speaking of dying, I recently attended a funeral that got me thinking. How many fans would you say have passed since The Name of the Wind was released in 2007? It is likely that The Doors of Stone will not be released until March of 2014 if all goes well. Thus, seven years have passed since the release of the first book. If ro I won't rate this because I do not fall under the time traveler category that Rothfuss refers to in his blog. I will simply say that I am dying for this book to come out. Speaking of dying, I recently attended a funeral that got me thinking. How many fans would you say have passed since The Name of the Wind was released in 2007? It is likely that The Doors of Stone will not be released until March of 2014 if all goes well. Thus, seven years have passed since the release of the first book. If roughly 20-50 (complete guess, could be more) fans that read The Name of the Wind have passed since its release that would mean 140-350 fans will never have the opportunity to know how Kvothe's story ends (Unless you believe in heaven, in which case there is no time in heaven and they have already read and are laughing at our anxiety for not have read The Doors of Stone). Whether the bracketed comments apply or not, let’s not forget the loss in book sales, tv viewers and everything else those 140-350 fans might have purchased/participated in. No matter what happens I'm convinced this story will be equally as incredible as the first two stories. Rothfuss is a genius and you shouldn't rush brilliance despite our impatience.

i am eagerly awaiting this third book. the only other series i like this well in the last 20 years would be robin hobbs farseer chronicles. both series also feature a highly developed, flawed , central character struggling with both his own powers and his relationship to the rest of the world. most fantasy and sci-fi lack depth and sublety in their characterization and rely upon magical gimmicks ad and the like. kvothe is a strong character because his good points are balanced by his vanity,hisi am eagerly awaiting this third book. the only other series i like this well in the last 20 years would be robin hobbs farseer chronicles. both series also feature a highly developed, flawed , central character struggling with both his own powers and his relationship to the rest of the world. most fantasy and sci-fi lack depth and sublety in their characterization and rely upon magical gimmicks ad and the like. kvothe is a strong character because his good points are balanced by his vanity,his temper, his pride and his willingness to cut corners to get what he wants, even when it's not necessary (esp, his 'noble's son' bits)..he is a bit of a jerk, and his ideal woman, denna is a real nasty piece of work.

i believe the second book went on a bit to long in the felurian section and in the ademre part as well. my opinion doesn't matter a whole lot, as i could never write like this.

has anyone else noticed that mr ash, denna's secretive patron, is obviously kvothe's tak buddy, whose name eludes me at the moment. the way he dresses(no colors), the wolf - head cane (my money says its the one beats on Denna with)...he always disappears at the same time as Denna , plus the little hints about dancing. also, he is linked to the chandrian and cinder, vis-a-vis the ill-fated wedding which denna survives. ash- cinder...also his hair is snow white. if i am wrong on this one i will be very surprised. also, cinder's interaction with normal humans has been shown in his leadership of the robbers in the eld.

obviously kvothe's mother was the laceless heir before running off with the gypsies. there are a millio hints toward this..

i really hoped kvothe was going to follow through and kill at least one of the chandrian. well i guess he kills some king instead in the street in imre (as per book two)..let's hope it's at least someone who needs killing..but i really want to see the chandrian get theirs. i guess ambrose would be second best, but is hardly worth the effort. maybe ash?. i hope that rothfuss isn't completely out of ideas, and mining these comments to finish his third book (that'll be the day..) probably not crowd sourcing this book

there are lots of juicy hints in the first two books, which definitely point to the whole story arc being pretty well planned out for the whole series. there are an awful lot of loose ends to tie together..

by the way , Kote = folly. and the sword -- how did cesura get switched with the 'folly' sword at the end...?

but my most burning question-- after kvothe writes those corny love songs for the maer, who performs them?

yes , kvothe is described as writing out chord charts, but without hearing the song, a musician would have no idea of the melody...no recording, no full notation...

all this frivolous commentary and speculation definitely proves that these books have an eager and dedicated audience, of which i am one.

Patrick! Your getting as bad as George Martin with this waiting for your book crap! My beard is getting Jesus long waiting for this so called "3rd day". I've seen at least several hundred suns ups and suns down waiting for your damn "day"!!! You should join the NSA with your torture techniques. I'm impressed. You went from stranger, to intriguing new hope, blossomed into love(and don't deny thats what it became fucker) of your style of writing and imagination, to begging for more, to waiting, waPatrick! Your getting as bad as George Martin with this waiting for your book crap! My beard is getting Jesus long waiting for this so called "3rd day". I've seen at least several hundred suns ups and suns down waiting for your damn "day"!!! You should join the NSA with your torture techniques. I'm impressed. You went from stranger, to intriguing new hope, blossomed into love(and don't deny thats what it became fucker) of your style of writing and imagination, to begging for more, to waiting, waiting, waiting, ext. Now I hate you......... You better have broken all you fingers in a rush to please me and thousands like me scrambling to get your act together. But really everyone. Great author, in my many years of reading in my tiny prison cell Rothfuss is a jewel to be treasured. He has few peers and only one master. I picked up his book to kill time waiting for my all time favorite author. I've only stumbled across a few that are in the same league and Rothfuss not only came to play ball but knocked it out of the park his opening day of rookie season. Great job shithead. We can wait for art. You may play around a lot but you can tell from your writing your a little of a perfectionist. Art takes time I understand, and with a boy around my daughters age I can only imagine. (Bet it helps with writing ideas and character development though). Peace bitchs!!!!! P.S. If anyone is looking for authors to hold the fort down waiting for this fucks "3rd day" try Blood Ravens Tale by Anthony Ryan, George R R Martin Song of Fire and Ice, or my favorite author( the only reason I started enjoying reading and found these other great authors, Patrick included) Steven Erickson Tale of the Malazan Book of the Fallen........... Your welcome for that one...more

One of my ideas is, that bredon, who taught kvothe playing tak, maybe is lord ash.

Their are a few hints, like they both are supposedly high skilled dancers.Denna mets mr ash in vintas and she said that he is a member of mare alverons court.Devan said that the man who was meeting denna in the eollian was withe haired rich and noble.During Kvothes time in Vintas Denna and Bredon are leaving at the same time.We also no that mr Ash sometimes uses a walking stick when he hits Denna. And bredon alwaysOne of my ideas is, that bredon, who taught kvothe playing tak, maybe is lord ash.

Their are a few hints, like they both are supposedly high skilled dancers.Denna mets mr ash in vintas and she said that he is a member of mare alverons court.Devan said that the man who was meeting denna in the eollian was withe haired rich and noble.During Kvothes time in Vintas Denna and Bredon are leaving at the same time.We also no that mr Ash sometimes uses a walking stick when he hits Denna. And bredon always carries this wulf-head walking stick with him.Bredon mentioned that he travels a lot, what would explain why somone living in Vintas mets a young woman in a inn in Imre or visits a wedding in Trebon.Of course I could be totally wrong but i reject the theory that mr ash is a chandrian.The theory that he could be one of the Amyr would explain why he was on the wedding in Trebon,but i can't believe tha one of the amyr, a protecter of justice would hit a woman to his enjoyment.Maybe he is a kind of historian who researches about the chandrian and somehow heard something about the vase on the mauten farm.

It all began when Pat Rothfuss was born to a marvelous set of parents. Throughout his formative years they encouraged him to do his best, gave him good advice, and were no doubt appropriately dismayed when he failed to live up to his full potential.

In high-school Pat was something of a class clown. His hobbies included reading a novel or two a day and giving relationship advice to all of his femalIt all began when Pat Rothfuss was born to a marvelous set of parents. Throughout his formative years they encouraged him to do his best, gave him good advice, and were no doubt appropriately dismayed when he failed to live up to his full potential.

In high-school Pat was something of a class clown. His hobbies included reading a novel or two a day and giving relationship advice to all of his female friends despite the fact that he had never so much as kissed a girl. He also role-played and wrote terrible stories about elves. He was pretty much a geek.

Most of Pat's adult life has been spent in the University Wisconsin Stevens Point. In 1991 he started college in order to pursue a career in chemical engineering, then he considered clinical psychology. In 1993 he quit pretending he knew what he wanted to do with his life, changed his major to "undecided," and proceeded to study whatever amused him. He also began writing a book....

For the next seven years Pat studied anthropology, philosophy, eastern religions, history, alchemy, parapsychology, literature, and writing. He studied six different martial arts, practiced improv comedy, learned how to pick locks, and became a skilled lover of women. He also began writing a satirical advice column which he continues to this day: The College Survivial Guide. Through all of this he continued to work on his novel.

In 2000 Pat went to grad school for English literature. Grad school sucked and Pat hated it. However, Pat learned that he loved to teach. He left in 2002 with his masters degree, shaking the dust from his feet and vowing never to return. During this period of time his novel was rejected by roughly every agent in the known universe.

Now Pat teaches half-time at his old school as an assistant-sub-lecturer. He is underpaid but generally left alone to do as he sees fit with his classes. He is advisor for the college feminists, the fencing club, and, oddly enough, a sorority. He still roll-plays occasionally, but now he does it in an extremely sophisticated, debonair way.

Through a series of lucky breaks, he has wound up with the best agent and editor imaginable, and the first book of his trilogy has been published under the title "The Name of the Wind."

Though it has only been out since April 2007, it has already been sold in 26 foreign countries and won several awards.

Pat has been described as "a rough, earthy iconoclast with a pipeline to the divine in everyone's subconscious." But honestly, that person was pretty drunk at the time, so you might want to take it with a grain of salt....more